How does virtual patching work?

Security rules are put in place to detect and block attempts to exploit a known vulnerability before the traffic reaches the vulnerable system.

Where can a virtual patch be implemented?

A virtual patch can be implemented in a WAF, an IPS, or another security layer that analyzes and controls traffic to the system.

When is virtual patching useful?

It can be useful when a permanent security update is not yet available, when a system cannot be taken offline, or when an organization needs time to test and install an update.

Does virtual patching remove the vulnerability itself?

No. Virtual patching reduces the risk of the vulnerability being exploited, but it does not remove the underlying weakness in the system.

Is virtual patching a permanent solution?

Usually not. It is normally used as a temporary or supplementary measure until the software can be updated or the vulnerability can be remediated in another way.

What is required to implement an effective virtual patch?

The organization needs to understand the vulnerability, how it can be exploited, and which traffic should be blocked without interfering with legitimate use of the system.

Sicra helps organizations identify and prioritize vulnerabilities, analyze security controls, and assess how risk can be reduced while the underlying vulnerability is being addressed.

Virtual patching

What is virtual patching?

Virtual patching is a security measure that protects a vulnerable system or application against known attacks without modifying the software or source code itself. Instead, security rules are implemented to detect and block attempts to exploit the vulnerability before they reach the vulnerable system.

A virtual patch can, for example, be implemented in a WAF (Web Application Firewall), IPS (Intrusion Prevention System), or another security layer that controls traffic to the system. By analyzing traffic, it can block requests that attempt to exploit the specific vulnerability.

Virtual patching can be useful when a permanent security update is not yet available or when an organization needs time to test and deploy an update. It can therefore reduce risk during the period between the discovery of a vulnerability and its permanent remediation.

A virtual patch does not, however, remove the underlying vulnerability. It should therefore normally be used as a temporary or supplementary security measure until the software can be updated or the vulnerability can be remediated in another way.

A useful analogy is placing a security guard in front of a broken door. The guard can prevent unauthorized people from entering while the door is damaged, but the underlying problem remains until the door itself is repaired.

Sicra and virtual patching

When a critical vulnerability is discovered, it is not always possible to deploy a permanent update immediately. An organization may depend on a system that cannot be taken offline, an update may require extensive testing, or the vendor may not yet have released a security update.

In these situations, virtual patching can be used to reduce exposure while a permanent solution is planned and implemented. This requires a good understanding of the vulnerability, how it can be exploited, and which traffic must be blocked without disrupting legitimate use of the system.

Sicra helps organizations identify and prioritize vulnerabilities, assess security controls, and determine how risk can be reduced. Virtual patching can be one of several measures considered while the underlying vulnerability is being addressed.

Services

Vulnerability analysis and scanning

Network security assessment

Network architecture

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